Arghakhanchi to Hire ‘Monkey Watchers’ to Protect Crops from Monkey Menace

Kathmandu-As farmers in Arghakhanchi continue to struggle to protect their crops from increasing monkey attacks, the Division Forest Office has initiated the process of recruiting “Monkey Watchers” to help manage the problem.

The office has invited applications to deploy monkey watchers in 26 monkey-affected areas across the district to support crop protection and monkey management. Although applications have initially been opened for 20 positions, officials said the number may increase or decrease depending on the workload.

Applicants must be permanent residents of the monkey-affected areas where they will be deployed. They must also be under 45 years of age and have an interest in forest, wildlife, and biodiversity conservation.

Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience working with community forest user groups or as forest guards or nursery caretakers. Selected candidates will receive a monthly salary of NPR 12,500.

The appointed monkey watchers will be responsible for regularly monitoring monkey activity, alerting farmers in time to prevent crop damage, and maintaining records of crop losses caused by monkeys for reporting to ward offices and the Division Forest Office.

Their primary responsibility will be to drive monkeys away from farmland to their natural habitats using environmentally friendly and non-harmful methods, ensuring that no harm is caused to the animals.